Kickstart Scheme

<p>Last Call for the Kickstart Scheme</p>
<p>As supply chain partners of Wigan Council, we wanted to make you aware that Wigan Council itself is an approved Kickstart Scheme &lsquo;gateway organisation&rsquo; and we&rsquo;re keen to hear from suppliers who are interested in creating job placements for local young people in early 2022.</p>
<p>The Kickstart Scheme offers 25 hours of funded employment to young people aged 16-24 and claiming Universal Credit. Additional funding is also paid to employers for &lsquo;setup costs&rsquo; with further details on our Kickstart Scheme webpage. Up to now we&rsquo;ve seen some fantastic outcomes with almost 100 young people recruited through the scheme, many of which have now successfully progressed into full-time employment and apprenticeships.</p>
<p>The scheme was recently extended by government, allowing employers to recruit beyond the original December 2021 deadline. Young people can now start on the scheme up to the end of March 2022, with Wigan Council adding in two new cohorts in February and March 2022.&nbsp; To apply for the scheme, however, applications must be received by early December to allow time to be taken through the approval process.</p>
<p>So if you feel your organisation could benefit in the new year whilst creating a valuable opportunity for a local young person, why not complete the expression of interest form on our website here and we will get in touch regarding next steps. Alternatively, you can call 01942 489177 or email kickstart@wigan.gov.uk.</p>
<p>Please note that sole traders are ineligible for the scheme. In addition, certain types of vacancies are no longer being supported by the Department of Work &amp; Pensions (DWP) due to the level of unfilled vacancies locally. We would therefore discourage any employers from applying with administration roles on this basis. Other types of roles may also be deemed unsuitable for these reasons but this would be picked up following the submission of an expression of interest.</p>
<p>Matt Stockwell</p>
<p>Business Partner (Apprenticeships) Economic Development &amp; Skills</p>
<p>Wigan Council Places Directorate</p>
<p>Wigan Life Centre South,</p>
<p>College Avenue,</p>
<p>Wigan, WN1 1NJ</p>
<p>External: 01942 489177</p>
<p>Mobile: 07795 953145</p>